SINGAPORE: Food operations at the Edge buffet restaurant in Pan Pacific Hotel have been suspended after 16 diners fell ill.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Saturday (May 25) that they are investigating six incidents of gastroenteritis. A total of 16 people fell ill after eating food prepared by the restaurant between May 2 and May 18.
“Those affected either sought outpatient treatment or self-medicated. None were hospitalised,” said the authorities.
The restaurant had first received feedback from diners experiencing gastroenteritis symptoms and undertook measures such as the health screening of food handlers and deep cleaning of premises.
In view of the suspected ongoing transmission of the disease, SFA has suspended the food business operations of Edge from May 24 until further notice.
“The licensee is required to clean and sanitise the premises, including equipment and utensils, and dispose all ready-to-eat food and perishable food items,” said MOH and SFA in a joint media release.
All food handlers working on the premises are required to reattend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 and test negative for foodborne pathogens before they can resume work.
The appointed Food Hygiene Officer must reattend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3 before they can resume work.
A picture circulating online showed an email from Pan Pacific Dining Privileges informing members that the Edge restaurant would be closed due to “unforeseen circumstances”. It also apologised for any inconvenience.
“Food safety is a joint responsibility. SFA would like to remind food operators to observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times,” said the authority.
“SFA will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone found to be in violation of the Environmental Public Health Act.”